Partial Pumpkins reunion?

February 03, 2006

Those Pumpkins rumors just keep swirling. Talk of a Smashing Pumpkins reunion has been nearly constant since frontman Billy Corgan took out ads in Chicago newspapers last summer saying he wants the group to re-form. According to one-time Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf der Maur, the rumors are true.

In fact, Auf der Maur said Corgan has been working on material that will, at some point, surface in the form of a new Smashing Pumpkins album.

"From what I understand, Billy [will be] making a Pumpkins record over the next little while," Auf der Maur told MTV News recently. "Everyone knows Billy doesn't need too many people to make a Pumpkins record, other than Jimmy [Chamberlin, Pumpkins drummer]--who he has [on board]."

A spokesperson for Azoff Management confirmed Thursday that Corgan and Chamberlin have signed on with the firm as Smashing Pumpkins, and that the two are writing new music.

Corgan was not available for comment, MTV says.

Auf der Maur said she's not sure whether Corgan has reached out to guitarist James Iha or bassist D'Arcy Wretzky to complete the original lineup, but she said she told Corgan she would be happy to pitch in if he needs her help. Auf der Maur replaced Wretzky in 2000.

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The Personals page was compiled by Emily Rosenbaum from Tribune news services and staff reports.